Harry Potter and all related characters ain't mine…though the plot is very much my idea…R/R thanks for the reviews…
Chapter 6: When Love Blossoms
RON
It had been a week since that first kiss. Lavender and I are pretty much okay. I haven't made my move yet. I've asked Harry for an advice in one of our daily correspondence. He told me that it's my decision whether I'm ready for it or not. I think today is the perfect time to ask her. Percy just got promoted and would be taking the family in a nice trip to Emerald Villa (It's a first class wizard restaurant.) I think I should ask Lavender to come with us. Harry and Hermione couldn't come because they had to run a few errands for Hermione's parents that day.
I went to her house to ask her. "Okay, be yourself," I remember Ginny say to me when I told her two days ago. I don't think that's a very good advice.
"Hi! Ron, come inside. I was just about to come in see you guys practice," she said. I've always marveled at how graceful she talked and how prim she acted in just about any situation.
"Well, we wouldn't be playing today. Percy got a promotion and well, he's taking the family out to Emerald Villa for a celebration," I announced.
"Really? Congratulations to him then," she said as she smiled at me. She had a very warm and friendly smile.
"I actually came here to ask you if…" I don't know what was happening to me but I felt so awkward all of a sudden.
"Ask me if?" she asked me. I couldn't look at her because I felt so shy all of a sudden.
"If you could go and accompany me to this dinner," I said meekly. I probably looked like a ninny because I most definitely acted like one.
"Isn't it a family event?" she asked but I could see the excitement in her eyes.
"Well, it is but Percy said we can bring anyone we like and besides my brother has a thing for being a show off so I think he can handle it," I said. I wonder if I sounded like an insensitive brother.
"I'd love to go with you then. What color are you wearing?" she asked me, and well, I didn't know why she asked me. "I have to know so I can find a matching dress robe."
I overlooked that one. I can't believe I didn't think about that. She must have seen the panic on my face. "I haven't thought of it yet," I admitted.
"What time will you pick me up then?" she asked.
"Would seven be alright?" I said feeling a little embarrassed because I have completely forgotten about what dress robe I'm going to wear and I couldn't possibly wear my very unlike excuse for a dress robe.
"Be here at six thirty and don't worry about your dress robe I'll find you one. I think my uncle has a few that might suit you well," she beamed at me and I couldn't stop myself from hugging her.
"Thanks! I'll see you at six thirty," I kissed her cheek and went running out. I must have looked like an idiot. I looked back and I saw her at the porch waving and smiling at me. She's so beautiful I wonder if she'll ever like me.
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I told mum, dad and Percy that I was bringing Lavender along and neither one of them minded at all. Ginny was so excited for me. She had been telling me advices on how to please a girl, not that I needed it of course.
Fred and George even gave me cologne. They said that it's new and that they were wearing it themselves but knowing those two after living with them all my life. I played safe and put some on an old rug and just as I thought, the thing smelled like a skunk after a few minutes of application.
I took a shower and combed my hair. I put on my best jumper and my favorite khaki pants. I know that it wouldn't show under my dress robe but I was going to Lavender's house so I have to look presentable. Love does strange things to a man. I can't believe I just had that silly thought.
I went down the stairs to see almost everyone waiting for me. Well, Fred and George aren't dressed yet and Ginny was nowhere in sight. Percy came up to me and handed me a bouquet of flowers that looked expensive.
"Take this to your date. She'll love it and it doesn't wilt just change the water everyday," he said in his most knowing manner. He was all dressed and ready probably on his way to pick up Penelope in her house. "Is that what you're wearing?"
"No, Lavender is going to lend me one of her uncle's dress robes," I said.
"Ms. Brown, you have fine taste Ron," Percy commented and I just smiled. I think he was playing a joke on me again.
"Be here before seven thirty dear. The ministry cars will be here by then," mum called out to me as I went out of the house.
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Lavender was already dressed in a nice Blue dress robe when she greeted me inside the house. Her aunt was there but there was no sign of her uncle or her cousin.
"Ron this my aunt Kristy. Aunt Kristy this is Ronald Weasley. He's my classmate in Hogwarts," she introduced me to her aunt.
"Good evening ma'am," I said in the most respectful way I know.
"It's nice to meet you Ron. Call me aunt Kristy. Lavender had told me so much about you. Come now dear I'll help you with one of my husband's dress robes, but I think the one's he had out grown would best fit you," she said warmly. She was a slender and a very attractive woman in her age. She's probably younger than mum by a good ten years.
"Go with her Ron. She'll dress you up," Lavender said.
"Before I forget. These are for you," I gave the flowers I was holding to Lavender.
"They're so beautiful. Go now I'll just put these in a vase," she said and I went in and by the help of Aunt Kristy found a matching dress robe for me. It was the same blue as Lavenders and it matched the color of my eyes well.
"There, you are a very handsome young man. Now go and get your date. Just bring our dear Lavender back before twelve midnight," she said and the nice lady even hugged like her very own son going to a dance.
"You look fabulous Ron. I didn't recognize you for a while," Lavender said.
"Well, your aunt is a miracle worker. I guess she did something to me hair," I said jokingly.
"Well, we better go to your house everyone must be waiting for us now," Lavender said and I nodded. She kissed her aunt and we went off to go to the Burrow. There was a cleared path so it wasn't that long for us to get to the house. The ministry cars were already there.
"Thanks for inviting me Ron," Lavender said as we walked hand in hand to the house.
"It's no problem and besides I couldn't think of taking anyone with me but you." Was it right for me to say that? What if she thinks I'm too fast? She just blushed and smiled at me. I was in heaven.
We shared a car with Ginny. Fred and George were with mum and dad and Percy had a private car for him and Penelope. The trip to the Emerald Villa wasn't that long. The place was so picturesque there were floating emerald-like Villas floating on the lake. (The nice little floating villas were crystal green like emeralds. Got the pic?)
We were then escorted to our own Villa. Then it magically drifted into the center of the lake. I was enjoying the wonderful night. There were delectable dishes served. I ate of course but was showering my attention to my beautiful date. Dinner was over and we were just enjoying the beautiful scenery. Lavender and I were having a great time. Everything was fine until I heard someone yell out.
"Hey Weasel what are you doing in a posh place like this!" I looked around and saw that it was Draco Malfoy. Lavender held on to my arm a little tighter.
Draco was in another villa with his father, mother and probably a few relatives and two guys his age with the same hair color.
"Lavender I never thought a beautiful well of girl like you will fall for a poor weasel like him," Draco pointed at me and the two other boys started laughing.
I wanted to get my wand out but Lavender stopped me. She stared at my eyes and gave me a warm smile and before I knew it we were lip locked. It was the most wonderful feeling. Draco Malfoy was probably saying a hundred mean stuffs per second but it didn't matter.
"Oh, I'm so disappointed with you Brown!" Draco said.
"Ron, Lavender let's go to the other side. Mum and dad said you should stay away from trouble," Ginny said as she approached Lavender and me. Our villa was almost near Malfoy's but they slowly repelled each other.
"If you don't mind Draco stay away from my brother," Ginny snapped and she turned her back on the stupid git. Draco had a strange look on his face. He was staring at Ginny in the most unusual way.
Lavender and I followed Ginny on the other side.
"Wonder what happened to Draco?" I asked Lavender because I surely was confused.
"Sometimes love comes in the strangest places and in the strangest moment." I wonder what she meant by that? I then saw the twins setting the other villa on fire of course no one saw this and Draco's father thought that it was his son's fault. The Malfoy's left with a sorry look on Draco's face.
"He's a silly git but I feel sorry for him. The twins had just out done themselves," Ginny commented.
"He deserves it for all the awful things he had done in the past," I argued. She can't feel sorry for that guy. He's the enemy. You can't feel sorry for that prat.
"Hey, what are you thinking about?" Lavender asked me as she leaned her head on my shoulder.
"Nothing," I said I was back in cloud nine. So this is what it feels to be in love. I wonder if Harry had told Hermione yet. I guess he'd be as happy as I am if he did.
"Can we go out on Hogsmeade weekends when we get back to school?" I asked the most vague question that popped in my head.
"Well, it's still far from today but yes I'd love to spend my Hogsmeade weekends with you. And I bet with Harry and Hermione no less?" she mused.
"That would be nice but I still hope to get some time with you alone once in a while. If you don't mind?" I said.
She smiled at me and we kissed for the second time that night.
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HERMIONE
Harry and Ron had been writing each other for the whole week. Those two have been keeping something from me. Guys, you just can't figure them out and they say girls are difficult. Harry had been great help I've finished the rest of my home works and we've been reading a lot in Ancient Ruins. Harry had finally written to McGonagall and we are now waiting for the reply. I've written to Ginny this past few days because I couldn't get anything from Harry. He simply won't tell me anything. Ginny on the other had told me about Ron's newfound love. I'm glad that he didn't have a thing for me. It would just be too much if he'd go all mushy on me. And we simply don't have chemistry or if we did we had the exploding kind. Harry is different from Ron in more ways than one. Although I love both of them as friends I guess I'm guilty of liking Harry as something even more. Yes I've finally admitted the truth to myself. I gave up a probably educational trip in Bulgaria to rescue Harry from an awful summer at the Dursleys. I stood by him when even Ron had abandoned him. I got into a lot of trouble because of the things Rita Skeeter wrote about me. I had gotten probably hundreds of howlers from the many girls who swarm over Harry because of it. Speaking of Rita she's still in my trunk. I wonder if she's still okay. The jar is enchanted so I don't think she'll die in there. Well, I can't feel sorry for her now, she totally messed up with the wrong witch. Since Harry had helped me with my home works. Mum and dad decided to bring us to the park for a little wholesome family entertainment like what dad would say.
"Hermione aren't you done yet? We'll be leaving, hurry!" Harry's calling my now. Should I bring Rita with us or should I just leave her in the jar. I opened my truck and I saw the sleeping bug. Nah, I think it's better to leave her there. I closed the trunk and looked at myself in the mirror. I got my knapsack with me with all my picnic essentials including a book of course. I also had to bring a bathing suit dad said we might go for a little swimming.
"I'm coming!" I yelled back as I went out the door and locked it. I dashed down stairs and Harry was waiting for me at the door.
"Are you sure it was right to tell Ron that we're running errands for mum and dad. I mean a picnic isn't exactly an errand you know," I said as I got out of the door.
"Ron needs some private time with a particular someone," Harry replied as he locked the door behind me.
"I see. You mean he's taking Lavender to this dinner. He'll finally make his move. Good for him," I mused and I was enjoying the bewildered look on Harry's face.
"How did you know it was Lavender? You didn't read my letters, did you?" Harry asked me.
"Relax, I didn't look at any letters you and Ron had been exchanging. I have my ways you know," I beamed at him. I saw Harry sigh in relief. Now what could those letters contain that Harry wouldn't want me to see.
"Hey are you guys going to talk there all day or are we going to the park?" Dad called out and we both went to the car. Harry even carried my bag for me.
"What's in this? You didn't bring Hogwarts, A History by any chance?" he asked and I just smiled at him. "I thought so."
Dad started the car and we were off. Harry and I were just chatting about the pyramids of Egypt because that was the last thing we read together last night. When we arrived at the park there were only a few people being a weekday and all.
We found a nice spot by the big fountain. Dad and Harry spread the picnic blanket and mum and I put the food out from the baskets.
"These look very delicious," Harry commented as I took the baked garlic butter rolls.
"Made them myself so of course they're good but mum made Lasagna and you'll simply love it," I said. We ate a very hearty meal. I asked mum and dad if Harry and I could take a walk because we have to digest the food we just ate and a nice little stroll would help a lot.
"Okay, you two go on a head and bring this camera a long so Harry can have some souvenir photos," mum said and she handed me a camera. "Please be back here by 3 so we can drop by the public pool your dad rented it for a little night swim." I nodded and both Harry and I went on a little stroll.
I can't believe I'm starting to feel nervous being alone with Harry. "Hermione, what's wrong?" He's too keen he can sense the tension I'm feeling.
"Nothing, do you have your wand with you?" I asked not knowing what to say.
"Of course I never leave it behind in case I need it and yours?" he inquired.
"Tucked in my pants under my shirt," I said. I can't believe this be calm Hermione. You've been inside your room alone with him for almost two weeks and now you're freaking out. What is wrong with you?
"You're quiet again. I'm not used to you being so quiet," Harry said and I sense a feel of concern in his voice.
"It's just that…" I can't say I'm uneasy being alone with him. He's my best friend he'll think I'm freaking out. `Well, you are freaking out,' I told myself. I just gave him a faint smile.
"Are you feeling well, I think you're a little pale," he placed his hand over my head. My skin tingled at the touch of his hand. I can't believe this is happening to me. He's my best friend I can't go acting all weird on him. I guess Ginny wrote me about us looking great together got the best of me.
"I'm fine Harry. I guess I'm just a little cold," what was I thinking it's summer.
"Let me warm you a bit." Harry surprisingly placed and around me. "Does that feel better?" he asked as he looked down on me.
"Yah," was the only word that could escape my mouth. I would consider it such a bold action for Harry to make but then again he's just being a concern friend. I had to remind myself.
He was still hugging me and it would have been such an awkward thing but his arms around me just felt so right. We were now by an old wishing well.
"You got any coins there?" I asked and he pulled Knuts from his pocket.
"I only have some wizard money here but I guess it would increase the possibility of making our wishes come true," he said and he handed me a Knut.
I held the coin and closed my eyes and made my secret wish. `I wish Harry feels the same way about me.' I opened my eyes and threw the coin in the well. Harry did the same.
"So what did you wish for?" we asked at the same time. We laughed at our folly. "No seriously what did you wish for?" he asked me.
I looked at him he was smiling and his brilliant green eyes were curiously anticipating my reply. "It wouldn't come true if I tell you," I said and there isn't anyway that I'll tell Harry that I wished for him to like me.
"Fine by me. I on the other hand wished for a particular someone to like me," he said coolly. I felt a sudden stub of pain in my chest. Of course, what was I thinking? He wished for the same thing. He wished for someone to like him only he probably wished for Cho. I felt hurt.
"Aren't you, even going to ask who?" he asked me. I just shook my head and turned away. I can't believe he wants to rub it in my face that he likes Cho.
"You don't have to. I know who she is," I said bluntly and walked away. He followed me with a confused look on his face.
"What did I do now?" he asked me as he held my arms and tried to make me look at him.
"Nothing Harry. You know what, I'll take your picture by the well," I said just to get out of the unlikely topic.
"Whatever you say Hermione," he shrugged and went to the old well and leaned on it.
I looked at Harry through the camera. He's grown up to be a handsome young man. And I'm sure Cho would notice the big change.
"Uhm… Hermione when are you going to snap the shot I'm sort of getting stiff here," Harry joked and I guess I was too busy looking at him that I forgot to take his picture.
He went running towards me and got the camera. "Your turn now. Please smile Hermione," he instructed as I went in front of the old well. I took a little while and I had to wave a few times before he actually took my picture. He was probably getting back at me for making him stand there so long.
"Now let's ask someone to take our picture," Harry said as he went to an old couple who just passed by.
"Sir, excuse me. Could you please take our picture," Harry handed the old man the camera as the old woman stood by him. Harry guided me back to the old well and he placed his arms around me as I leaned against him. We smiled at the camera and the old man took our picture. He actually took a few more pictures of us in other parts of the park. The old couple was actually very friendly.
"You know, you two remind me of our old days together. We've been married for fifty years now and it all started out with friendship," the old woman said as her husband kissed her warmly.
"Say, sometimes wonderful things just start in simple relationships like friendship. Thanks for your help," Harry said as we greeted the old couple good bye. The old man handed Harry the camera and whispered something to him before they left.
"What was that about," I asked him. a wide grin spread in his face.
"Nothing. Let's get going your mum and dad might get worried," he said and he went running off so I had to follow him. He slowed down after a while he must have realized that it was rather hard to keep up with a Quidditch player.
The picnic baskets and blanket are already neatly kept and mum and dad were just having a little stroll by the fountain.
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HARRY
Ron and I had been writing each other for the whole week. He told me about his feelings for Lavender and I very delighted that he'd be asking her soon. On Ron's first letter to me when he told me about Lavender he asked me a very personal question that involved our other best friend Hermione. Why he asked it, I have no idea. But his questions did make me realize a lot of things. I guess I took me Ron's prodding to finally admit to myself that I like Hermione as something more than a friend. I was relieved to know that Ron doesn't have feelings for Hermione though because I while back I thought he did. I think the rest of the Gryffindors thought the same thing. Now how will I tell her I like her as more than a friend? I think it would be awfully difficult especially with her mum and dad around.
Today when we went to the park Hermione and I had some alone time together and it was wonderful except maybe on the wishing well part. I was gradually trying to hint that I like a particular someone and I guess she thought I was referring to someone else and not she. Good thing a nice old couple came. Carmen and Fritz were nice enough to take our pictures. Fritz even gave me a really nice advice.
"Let her know at the right time. I know she likes you too," I remember the things he whispered to me before they left. Of course I couldn't tell Hermione that because I don't even know if she really does like me the same way.
We're at the public pool. Hermione's parents are in the Jacuzzi room and well it's just Hermione and me in the big pool with other teenagers our age. Our wands are kept in Hermione's bag. Her parents must trust me a lot leaving the two of us to ourselves. But those two really need some quality time together. They've been very hard working.
"I thought dad reserved the pool just for us," Hermione said as she got out from the locker room. She wore a nice red bathing suit and she wrapped a towel around her waist. I had to control myself because I couldn't help but stare at her. She surely has grown. She's definitely no longer a little eleven-year-old girl she's already a very attractive young woman. I was wearing swimming goggles since I couldn't wear my glasses in the water.
"Hey are we going to swim or are you going to gawk at me all night?" she said jokingly and we went and placed our towel at a bench and dived in. There were a group of kids our age swimming.
"Do you need to apply lotion or anything," I asked.
"Harry, it's 6 pm and we're in an indoor pool so I don't think I would need any sun block," she answered and she started giggling. I was kind of hoping I could put some lotion on her back or something.
Hermione and I were just swimming around when one of the guys from the other group came to intrude in our little swimming game.
"Hi miss would you like to join us. A few of friends there noticed that you need a little company," a tool blond boy said.
"I already have company. But thanks for asking," Hermione politely said and she swam to my side.
"Come on join us. You can bring your friend along if you like," the boy said as he tried to grab Hermione. "By the way I'm Kyle."
"Sorry Kyle but we're just fine here. If you can just go back to your side of the pool," I said I got a hold of Hermione and she swam back to my side.
"Are you her boyfriend or something? We're just asking her to join us," Kyle grunted.
"Yes, he's my boyfriend and if you please just leave us alone," Hermione blurted and I was sure if she had a wand with her that boy would be blasting of to the other side of the pool.
"You heard what she said now go!" I commanded and Kyle went swimming back to his friends. But winked at Hermione before he left.
"What an idiot!" Hermione commented.
Hermione and I had a really nice time. We changed into our regular clothes because we wanted to rest in the car while we wait for Hermione's parents. When we got out of the Public pool area and headed to the parking lot we got surrounded by Kyle and his friends.
"I think I ought to teach you a lesson," I heard someone say and before I knew it I was hit at the back and fell on the ground. Hermione came rushing on to me but two other guys took hold of her.
"You're a lucky guy to have a pretty face falling for you," Kyle touched Hermione's face. Before he could lower his lips to Hermione I kicked him hard on the groin. His other friends tried to beat the crap out of me but a wizard is magically protected in someway and their punches just bounced back to their faces. But I was also hit once or twice.
Kyle and notice the strange happening and went running off.
"Harry are you okay," Hermione said as she rushed to my side. She checked my face were a black is now present a bruise on my left jaw.
"Those morons if only I can use my magic I could blast them to Timbuktu," she said as she helped on my feet.
"It's okay Hermione. Did they hurt you?" I asked as I looked at her.
"I'm fine Harry thanks to you I'm just fine. But you're the one who got hurt," she was all worried about me again. I couldn't help but smile at the attention she was giving me.
"You almost got beaten up and you can still smile," Hermione commented.
"I'm happy because you're safe that's all that matters," I admitted but I wasn't sure if she heard me. She was too busy checking for any more bruises.
We waited for Mr. and Mrs. Granger in the car. I had to cover my face and pretended to be asleep so they wouldn't be worried. It wasn't any problem at all especially when Hermione told me to lean on her so I could cover my face better. When we got home I went out and carried the baskets and blanket so they were towering over my face. Mrs. Granger told me to leave the things on the counter as soon as I did I went up the stairs and just called out good night.
I got dressed for sleep meaning I had my pajamas on. I went to the roof and just sat there for a while. What happened at the pool area, just popped in my head. "Yes, he's my boyfriend and if you please just leave us alone," I heard her say it. But she just said that so that Kyle guy would go away. But it sure sounded nice to me.
"Hey, what's going on in that crowded head of yours," I heard Hermione say as she sat beside me. "I wonder what Ron and Lavender are doing right now?"
"I was actually thinking of the same thing," I said. Hermione leaned her head on my shoulder.
"I'm sorry about what happened to you. I got you in trouble," Hermione muttered. I had to touch her soft hair and my hand landed on her shoulder.
"Hey it's okay. I wouldn't let anyone mistreat you like that. And besides that stupid git reminded me of Draco," I said and in some way Kyle did resemble Draco in some ugly sort of manner specially their attitude.
"I also want to apologize for saying that you are my boyfriend I mean that was totally uncalled for," she said and she looked down to her hands as if in an immensely embarrassing situation.
"I didn't mind it all," I really didn't in fact I liked the idea but I guess she doesn't. Hermione must think of me as a brother and nothing more. She's the sweetest girl I know and yet I'm not sure if she'll ever like me as someone more than a friend.
"Thanks again Harry," she looked up to me. I stared back at her brown eyes. I was mesmerized I was stuck I couldn't get from that wonderful moment. I saw her wet her lips and all of a sudden they just looked so tempting. Hermione closed her eyes and I was about to kiss her right there at that very moment when my stupid head told me not to do it. `It will complicate the situation. Don't do it,' the voice at the back of my head kept on telling me. I opened my eyes and just kissed Hermione's forehead instead.
"Good night Harry. I'm really tired and my bed is calling me," Hermione said as she stood up and walked back into her window.
`Stupid, stupid Harry! Just when you had a chance you screwed up!' I scolded myself. Did I do the right thing or I should have just told her when I had a chance. I need Ron's advice.
To be continued...
[N/A:] Sorry if this took awhile I have to say it's hard to write a story involving three different points of view… Although I think some of the readers think it's too cheesy and predictable I'm really sorry I hope I can work on that aspect… for those people who appreciate my work thanks a gazillion…I'll try to work on it as fast as possible but My dad and I usually fight over my too much time spent in front of the PC… R/R